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How to Breed Clams

Clams are one of the most commonly eaten shellfish, and have been eaten throughout history - even by the Neanderthals. The tender interior, covered by a hard shell, can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to a variety of other dishes and sauces. Instead of harvesting the clams on seashores, they can also be bred for easy accessibility and abundance all year round. With a few simple tools, the right clams and some time and effort, fresh clams can be bred right at home.

Things You'll Need

Large saltwater tank
Heating lamp
Male adult saltwater clams
Female adult saltwater clams

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the clams in a large salt water tank at 80 degrees F, or the temperature they are generally used to in the ocean, for several weeks to allow them to become used to their environment.
- 2
  Heat the temperature of the second tank to slightly over 90 degrees F for tropical clams, and two to three degrees over their normal temperature for colder water species.
- 3
  Place the tank in direct sunlight while maintaining the temperature. The natural light encourages breeding.
- 4
  Place the clams in to the second, warmer tank. This sudden stress generally induces spawning as a survival action.
- 5
  Allow the clams to breed for several days, ensuring the water continues to be cleaned, but without the protein skimmer as this can remove the released eggs.
- 6
  Keep the clams in the same environment for several weeks, until small clams begin showing in the water. Reduce the heat to the normalized temperature, and return them to their normal tank, if desired.

Animals & Science